Rolex History: Legend, Icons, and How to Know the Year of Your Watch

Rolex History: Legend, Icons, and How to Know the Year of Your Watch

Since its founding in 1905, Rolex has been synonymous with precision, innovation, and luxury. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Rolex pioneered the development of the first waterproof wristwatch (the Oyster, launched in 1926), the first watch with an automatic date (the Datejust, 1945), and many other milestones that place it as one of the world's most prestigious brands.

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Historical reference models

Over the years, Rolex has created timepieces that have become icons of time, collected by watch lovers and celebrities alike. Here we highlight some of the most notable:

1. Rolex Submariner (1953)

The brand's first professional diving watch, water resistant to 100 meters, and one of the most recognizable in the world.

2. Rolex Datejust (1945)

Revolutionary for its automatic date function. Classic, versatile, and timeless.

3. Rolex Daytona (1963)

Designed for motorsports enthusiasts. Its precise chronograph and sporty design have made it one of the most sought-after models.

4. Rolex Explorer (1953)

Created in homage to the conquest of Everest, it's a functional, understated model designed for adventure.

5. Rolex GMT-Master (1955)

Developed in conjunction with Pan Am for international pilots, it allowed reading two time zones at once.

6. Rolex Day-Date (1956)

The first watch to display the date and day of the week in full. Also known as the "Presidential."

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How to know the year of manufacture according to the serial number

One way to know the year of production of a Rolex is by its serial number , engraved between the lugs of the case (in modern models it may be on the ridge).

Here's a quick table to help you identify the approximate year of manufacture:

Year	Serial Number
2011 - Present	Random (alphanumeric)
2010	G
2009	V
2008	M or V
2007	M or Z
2006	D or Z
2005	D / F
2004	F
2003	F
2002	AND
2001	K or Y
2000	P/K
1999	TO
1998	U9
1997	OR
1996	T
1995	W
1994	S86
1993	S
1992	C
1991	N / X
1990	AND
1989	L98
1988	R59
...	...
1926	00001

Note: To see the full table from 1926 to the present, visit our blog at lafontaine.com.uy or contact us via WhatsApp.

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Conclusion

Rolex isn't just a brand; it's a living history of watchmaking. Each model tells a story, and each serial number is a mark in time. At La Fontaine , experts in high-end watches, we help you identify, value, and choose the perfect piece.

Explore our available Rolex models: Rolex at La Fontaine

And if you already have one, bring it in and we'll help you date and value it.